In partnership with the Chino Youth Museum, we hosted a birthday celebration for children ages 0–5 featuring Potter the Otter, the popular children’s book character and First 5 San Bernardino mascot. Families came together to celebrate early literacy and be reminded of the power of gifting books for all of life’s milestones for our Gift a Kid a Book program. This year’s celebration also honored the Chino Youth Museum’s 25-year anniversary as a community space for family play and early learning, which closely aligns with our mission.
The event welcomed more than 30 children for a morning filled with free books, birthday cake, singalongs, crafts and hands-on play through the museum’s interactive exhibits. Children unwrapped books as birthday gifts, enjoyed story time and songs led by entertainer Markus Law and danced with Potter the Otter himself.
The celebration supports our Gift a Kid a Book program, now in its third year, which encourages parents and caregivers to choose books for birthdays, holidays and other milestones. First 5 San Bernardino has provided more than 12,000 books to San Bernardino County families with children under age 5 through Gift a Kid a Book.
To explore age-appropriate book recommendations, download a free bookmark and access more resources for building early literacy, visit first5sanbernardino.org/reading.
For more information on the Chino Youth Museum or to book a birthday party, visit chinoyouthmuseum.com.